how do i properly hold a french horn?

Question

im a trumpet player who is self learning the french horn... but i cant hold it without bringing my lip to the mouth peice, the french horn doesnt seem to sit right. any way how?

Answer 1

You hold it so the mouth piece touches your lips. The horn should be on an angle. If you look at a picture in a french horn book you can see the angle at which you should hold it. Your hand should be resting on the further part of the inside of the bell (a strange way of putting it, I know). Your hand may get tired so, keeping the hand in place, you can rest the edge of the bell on your leg. You MUST keep your hand in the bell, I can't stress that enough. Your hand is practically part of the instrument and if you don't put it there you will be way out of tune. Don't worry, you will get used to it , and if your leg hurts, wear thick pants or put something like a blanket on it. You will get used to it. Trust me, I've played the horn for four years and I don't even notice it any more.(you play the trumpet so I'm assuming you are in an orchestra or band) you might want to ask your director/conductor for some more direction.

Answer 2

You can position the horn on or off the leg; if you play on the leg, place the bell on the outer hip/upper thigh, positioned behind you/away from your body. The right hand position can be tricky (people have different opinions)... This is what I was taught: keep your fingers/thumb together in a slight cup shape, sort of forming a "J." Your the side of your forefinger (next to the thumb) should be the "resting point" for the bell... if you play off the leg, it'll hold the horn's weight, so it should be touching the part of the bell closest to the ceiling (or where your horn's connecting joint might be placed). If you cup your right hand to seal the bell, you are playing stopped... pull your hand out a few inches and resume the J-shape... this is playing (open) position. You can adjust your hand if you're out of tune. If you need to lower your pitch/you're sharp (need to play flatter), move the hand in slightly (and vice versa, if you're flat). Left hand is pretty obvious... first three fingers on the three valves, use the pinky hook and the thumb will have a hook or valve (depending on whether or not you have a single or double horn). Make sure your elbow is relaxed/not lifted horizontal to the floor... bad playing habits=too much (useless) tension in the body. Good luck! I love my horn!

Answer 3

you might want to get a pillow or an instrument brace for your right leg, in order to bring the instrument a little higher. Otherwise, start building up the muscles in your left arm so that you can keep the instrument up at the proper level- you shouldn't be bending down into the mouthpiece at all. Putting your right hand in the bell will also give some more balance as well as all the intonation stuff you'll need it for.